Yesterday registration opened for the third annual Iams Doggy Dash.Held in conjunction with the Nautica New York City Triathlon, the Doggy Dash invites runners and their pets to participate in a competitive race together.The five-mile event, which takes place in Central Park, will be on July 18, 2010.

The event will be right in our backyard, but past participants have come from as far as Texas to partake in the Doggy Dash.Last year 15 teams ran alongside the triathaloners.

In 2010, the time to beat is 39:59, a 6:27 pace set by Nathan Kucera of New Haven, Conn. and his Boxer, Beowulf, who regularly runs 5 and 10Ks.The winners took home the Rembrandt Cup, a giant red fire hydrant. All finishers received medals and goodie bags.

Not all pups are accustomed to running 10Ks, so safety is a top priority for race organizers.All dogs are checked by veterinarians from The Animal Medical Center before, during, and after the race.There are also aid stations with baby pools and water bowls throughout the run.

Nemo and I submitted our application to participate and have already started to train.Fortunately we have plenty of time to gradually build up to the five miles.